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Absorption spectroscopy measurements in optically dense explosive fireballs using a modeless broadband dye laser
1Mechanical Science & Engineering Department, University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, Illinois 61801, USA. glumac@uiuc.edu
Applied Spectroscopy
|October 3, 2009
Summary
A novel laser spectroscopy technique successfully analyzes high explosive fireballs, detecting atomic species with high precision. This method offers valuable insights into explosive chemistry at the gram scale.
Area of Science:
- Chemistry
- Spectroscopy
- Materials Science
Background:
- Optically dense fireballs from high explosives pose challenges for in-situ chemical analysis.
- Previous methods struggle with signal attenuation and luminosity interference.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop and validate a high-resolution absorption spectroscopy method for probing high explosive fireballs.
- To achieve sensitive detection of atomic and molecular species within these environments.
Main Methods:
- Utilized a modeless broadband dye laser for absorption spectroscopy.
- Employed single-shot, high-resolution measurements within optically dense fireballs.
- Implemented techniques to reject fireball luminosity and overcome beam attenuation.
Main Results:
- Obtained high signal-to-noise ratio spectra of Aluminum (Al), Titanium (Ti), and Aluminum Monoxide (AlO).
- Achieved spectral resolution of 0.007 nm, despite 98% beam attenuation.
- Established detection limits below 200 parts per billion (ppb) for atomic species.
Conclusions:
- The developed laser absorption spectroscopy method is effective for analyzing high explosive fireballs.
- The technique provides good time resolution for studying fireball chemistry.
- Scaling laws indicate applicability to explosives testing up to the gram scale.
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